Matt+Villaescusa+LMF

//Learning Motivation and Fun//


What are your 5 generalizations?
1. ** Competition in males under 39 years of age will be a significant factor contributing to a LMF experience. ** I was a bit surprised by the results of this search. I was expecting to see a large number of videos/stories connecting competition with memorable learning experiences. This search only revealed 14 videos. After reviewing these 14 videos I was also surprised to see only 5 involving competition in the physical setting while the remaining 9 stories were in the academic/career setting. As a middle school PE/health teacher, I have noticed that competition can have both a positive and negative impact on learning. Students with little sport skill/experience will most likely not benefit from a competitive learning environment. These students need the time and opportunity to improve their skill level and not be judged by winning, losing, or production/contribution to team. On the other hand, competition is a tool that can be used to increase the focus, motivation, and production level of students with an above average skill/experience level (used with success in a team sport environment).

2. ** Instructors who exhibit enthusiasm for their subject matter and use humor to deliver their message will have a large impact on a LMF experience. ** This generalization resulted in 39 videos (15 male, 24 female). This combination of enthusiasm and humor during instruction keeps learners engaged in the delivery of the content and enjoy their learning experience. Christina had an LMF experience in a fitness class exhibiting a new piece of training equipment (at a fitness convention). The instructor was clearly enthusiastic about the product and she motivated the learners to participate with her high energy level and use of humor to make the learning "fun". I have had similar experiences with a few teachers in my life, but I have had many more teachers who either display a false sense of enthusiasm for their topic (or career) and/or ATTEMPT to use humor without success. I do not recall much that I've learned from these types of "fake" teachers/classes other than recognizing that these are characteristics that I will not use in my instruction practices.

3. ** Learners that experience positive social interaction and a high level of cooperation **** will be likely to recall a LMF event. ** I was not too surprised to see that this query resulted in 49 videos. Dan had a LMF experience at Boy Scout camp during an "outdoors" relay race. The race had 10 stations each focusing on a specific skill (first aid, log cutting, knot tying,...). What Dan originally perceived as simply a fun event with his fellow scouts, he later reflected it as more of a learning experience that emphasized cooperation and communication to accomplish the task as a team. Having positive social interaction amongst students is a key factor in the learning process. If students feel a sense of respect amongst their peers and personal safety in the social and physical settings, they are more likely to be involved in the learning process because they do not fear any social judgments. Being a valued and respected member of a cooperative team encourages participation and performance.

4. ** The educational environment will be dominated by LMF experiences related to"hobbies". ** This generalization resulted in 73 videos. (23 career videos, 66 academic videos). The data suggests that the overwhelming majority of LMF experiences are either hobby or academically based. For the most part, these types of experiences are fun and entertaining to the learner. If we do something that is enjoyable (hobby, academics, athletics), we will be more likely to continue to do so in the future. The small number of LMF stories involving career experiences could possibly be attributed to poor training methods and the need for instructional designers to make learning fun.

5. ** The physical setting with a high level of sensory richness, will create a learning environment that will greatly contribute to a memorable LMF experience. ** The large number of (84) LMF stories support this generalization. And why not?... Learning environments that involve the 5 senses can contribute to an engaging, fun, and memorable learning experience. Chris is an adventurous photographer who trained himself how to rock climb/mountain climb. Over a period of time, Chris trained himself to be able to safely climb mountains and rock faces with his photography equipment. Learning experiences tend to be memorable when your life or safety is in jeopardy. As a physical educator in San Diego, I am lucky to work in a learning environment that that has a high degree of sensory richness.